Behind the scenes footage proves Dallas Cowboys are getting exactly what they wanted from defensive coordinator Christian Parker
The Dallas Cowboys let us know what they were looking for in their new defensive coordinator before even hiring Christian Parker. The latest practice footage proves they got it.
The hype surrounding new Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker is at an all-time high. There are multiple reasons for that, including his coaching history and praise from former players of his. Not to mention, insiders around the league view him as a future head coach.
But it’s a recent behind-the-scenes look at Parker working with first-round rookie Caleb Downs that is causing additional buzz on social media. And in my eyes, it’s confirmation the Cowboys are getting what they wanted in their defensive coordinator before even settling on Parker.
Parker teaches Caleb Downs technique
When the Cowboys set out to look for a new defensive coordinator, they emphasized they wanted a teacher. The clip below, originally from official team media, shows Parker teaching technique to Downs. In the clip, they go through footwork and use of hands/arm length.
“Use your length,” Parker tells Downs in the video. “You don’t have to have 34-inch arms to use your length. If we’re just trying to mirror [the receiver] with our hands behind our back the whole time, we’re at their mercy. He knows where the ball is going, you have to use your feet but you don’t want to use only that.”
It’s probably one of many, many moments like this. But the footage is a direct look at Parker doing what the Dallas Cowboys wanted him to: teach.
“You’re looking for a teacher,” Schottenheimer said in January before hiring Parker. “You’re looking for a guy that has the ability to instruct and get guys to believe and get guys to buy in. We’re salesmen. When you’re up there in front of the players, you’re selling them on why what you’re doing offensively, defensively, special teams, why it’s going to work. And part of that’s your personality, part of it is your ability to communicate.”
Parker’s track record shows why this matters
You may look at this and roll your eyes. Another Cowboys offseason hype story. But it’s difficult to ignore Parker’s success developing young defensive backs. Parker coached Patrick Surtain II, Quinyon Mitchell, and Cooper DeJean before arriving at Dallas. He made each of them All-Pro defensive backs two NFL seasons into their careers.
Justin Simmons, who recently named Parker one of the most influential people in his career, earned All-Pro honors each season Parker coached for the Denver Broncos.
So yeah, these type of moments matter. And based on Schottenheimer’s comments about Downs not repeating mistakes, they should help get the rookie ready to start Week 1.